- Works with all 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi devices that have an RP-SMA connector, not just ALFA brand ones Main Question: Why Should I have this while there is Made In China Directional Antenna is 16dBI? Answer= This is from Alfa Branded made In Taiwan which give you an accurate 7dBI and stable. Great listening is not enough, or make it simple, Your wifi antenna & Wifi Usb Adapter should be able to SHOUT so the other wifi router will able to hear you. I have tested a 20dBI Chicken Brand antenna with Alfa 5dBI original antenna and you know what? Alfa 5 dBI is even have a better listening and mininum lost packet! Directional vs. Omin-directional antennas Gain is not concentrated in one particular direction. Omni-directional antennas work best when you are mobile and do not know where signals are originating. Directional antennas concentrate gain in a particular direction. While the antenna does not need to be in a perfect line of sight to the signal, it needs to be pointed in the general direction. Due to the way antennas work, directional antennas can pick up signals that are the in the opposite direction, but they will be weaker than if the antenna was pointed in that direction. As our graphic above illustrates, each antenna type has an advantage over the other. That is why it is best to have each type, so you can use the antenna that is best for your particular needs. Because directional antennas work best in the direction they are pointed, in many cases you will detect more signals overall with your omni-directional antenna, but find that your directional antenna may get stronger signal strength to signals it is aimed at, and it may also detect additional signals in the direction it is pointed, signals the omni cannot see. FAQ- some common questions about Wifi USB adapter w/ 7 dBi panel antenna kit:
I pick up 6 signals with the 5 dBi omni-directional antenna but only 4 signals with the 7 dBi panel antenna- is something wrong with the panel antenna?
-The panel antenna is a directional antenna that concentrates gain in the direction it is pointed. It does not pull in signals equally from all around, but should pull in better range and signal in the direction it is pointed. So you may see more signals overall with the omni, but the directional one will help you get the best signal to one in particular.
Whether I use the omni or the directional, I see 3 signals, and all of them have the same number of bars in Windows. How can this be?
-antenna placement is very important. Wi-Fi signals bounce around and can be impacted by invisible interference (noise). Also note that when using a utility that reports signals as 4 or 5 bars, each bar represents 20-25% of signal strength. So one antenna may be pulling in the signal 15% better than the other, and yet the difference in bars may be only 0 or 1. We recommend using more detailed programs for precise signal strength analysis.
Why would this adapter work better than a generic 1000mW USB adapter, since they both have the same output power?
-1000mW refers to the maximum output power at which the device can operate. It is important to read the fine print. Many generics can technically output at 1000mw max, but can only do so at very slow connection speeds. The other important distinction is the chipset. The Alfa has a Realtek RTL8187 chip which is the most sensitive Realtek G chipset. Many generics will say they use a Realtek chipset just like Alfa, but they use an RT8187B chip, which has much weaker receive sensitivity. Alfa also puts their item though much stricter quality control tests and high quality manufacturing processes, meaning your adapter is likely to last much much longer than a cheaply assembled knockoff.
How far away can I pick up signals with this?
-For this question there is no exact answer. Wireless range is an imperfect science. The range you get with any adapter will vary markedly depending on the strength and quality of the wireless access point being used, as well as obstacles and interference in the area. Keep in mind that interference can often be invisible. The Alfa is the longest range and most powerful standalone wireless adapter on the market at the time of this writing. Basically, if this kit does not work for you, you will likely need to look into some sort of high gain outdoor setup. If you are trying to pick up signals from far away, and are not sure this will give you enough range, please contact us with details about your situation and we may be able to offer an opinion. Specification: Model APA-M04 Frequency 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz VSWR … 2.0 Gain 7dBi Polarization Linear, Vertical Impedance 50 Ω Connector PR-SMA PLUG Operation Temp -10Ž ~ +55Ž Humidity 95%@25Ž Dimension 80x85x12.8mm |